Programme Directors,
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Mr Tertuis Simmers,
Members of Parliament,
MECs,
Executive Mayor of the West Coast District Municipality, Cllr Roelof Strydom,
Executive Mayor of the Matzikama Local Municipality, Cllr Johan van der Hoven,
Religious, traditional and community leaders present,
Representatives of political parties,
The community of Vredendal,
Distinguished Guests,
Fellow South Africans, 

Molweni. Sanibonani. Dumelang. Avuxeni. Lotjhani.

Goeie Dag.

I greet you all on the Day of Reconciliation. 

It is an occasion where we remember and celebrate our journey as a country towards nation-building, healing, social justice and forgiveness. 

This Day of Reconciliation is dedicated to ‘healing historical wounds and forging new futures’.

For much of our history, this day – the 16th of December – stood as a symbol of the wounds of our history.

For some it was a celebration of victory. 

For others, it was a painful reminder of conquest and dispossession.

Since the advent of democracy, we have sought to do away with symbols that are divisive. 

We chose to mark the 16th of December as a day of reconciliation. 

A celebration of our unity in diversity. 

It gives me great pleasure to commemorate this year’s Reconciliation Day here in Vredendal, the Valley of Peace. 

This Valley of Peace is blessed with fertile land.

It is a farming area. Many of its inhabitants are farmworkers. 

As we work to reduce unemployment, we see the value of agriculture and land reform in growing our economy and creating jobs for our people. 

We know that history has no blank pages. 

Under the inhumane apartheid system farmworkers bore the brunt of exploitation. 

White commercial farms were built on the labour of slaves and South Africa’s indigenous people. 

Since the advent of democracy 30 years ago, we have driven a series of legislative changes to advance the rights of farmworkers. 

We have passed a law to prevent the arbitrary eviction of families living on farms. 

And yet we know that farmworkers and labour tenants are still being evicted in a number of places without being afforded alternate accommodation. 

We call on all employers to treat people humanely and ensure that they have decent accommodation.

We insist that all should ensure that the law is uphold and the rights of all people are protected.

The working conditions of farmworkers are regulated by the Labour Relations Act. 

For the first time, minimum wages were set for farmworkers. 

Now, no farmworkers may be paid below the National Minimum Wage.

As part of land reform, we have encouraged employment share schemes.

This is where workers in agriculture and other sectors can have shares in the companies that they work for. 

There have been initiatives in the Matzikama area to implement this approach.

 We must look at how to expand this so that the people in this area have a greater share of the local economy.

Fellow South Africans, 

Reconciliation Day is about advancing reconciliation, justice and nation-building.

It promotes social cohesion and healing. 

The past may be behind us but we are left with its wounds. 

We have deep scars as a reminder of our painful experiences. 

We cannot heal these historical wounds by forgetting our past. There are things that should be done to heal the wounds of the past.

But we must also learn from our past. 

We have come a long way as a country of diverse cultures, languages, beliefs and traditions.

Here in Vredendal, we have a beautiful and diverse community that is an integral part of our rainbow nation. 

Here, a person can be as proud of their coloured heritage or their Afrikaans language as they are of their South African identity.

They can be white or African or Indian, speak English or Xhosa or any other language, while being a full and equal member of the South African nation.

History records the great acts of political activism by the people of this province. 

Coloured people were not spared the brutality of slavery, dispossession and segregation. 

The apartheid regime tried to divide us and turn us against one another, but they did not succeed. 

Through democracy we have worked to restore the dignity of all who suffered under apartheid, including coloured people. 

Our national Coat of Arms pays tribute to the Khoi and San. 

The human figures are depicted in an attitude of greeting, symbolising unity. 

This represents a sense of belonging to the nation and to a collective humanity. 

The motto is written in the language of the /Xam people.

It means ‘diverse people unite’. 

Five years ago, we signed the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act into law.

This gave formal recognition of Khoi-San institutions of traditional leadership. 

With the support of the Pan South African Language Board, we have worked to ensure that Khoi, Nama and San languages are offered as part of the school curriculum. 

Our public broadcaster, the SABC, initiated and continues to support XK-FM, the only radio station in the country that supports the !Xun and Khwe languages of the indigenous San people.

Through the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, we are supporting community and civic organisations dedicated to preserving the distinct cultural identity and heritage of the Khoi and San people. 

Since the advent of democracy we have done much to advance reconciliation and redress. 

The cornerstone of South Africa’s journey is our progressive Constitution. 

It enshrines human rights and promotes equality for all citizens. 

It protects the rights of previously marginalised groups.

These groups include racial minorities, women, people with disabilities, children, the elderly and the LGBTQI+ community. 

This is a stark departure from the exclusionary policies of apartheid. 

As part of building a new nation, we established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

The Commission was tasked with uncovering human rights abuses committed during apartheid and providing a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their stories.

This was part of the process of restorative justice. 

The TRC succeeded in creating a collective historical memory. 

It helped to ensure that the horrors of apartheid would never be forgotten – and that they would never be repeated. 

Our task is now to complete the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

To take forward the work of nation-building.

We have learnt from the past 30 years that reconciliation means fostering cultural understanding and promoting social cohesion and social justice. 

In post-apartheid South Africa, initiatives to promote unity in diversity have been pursued through various platforms, including sport, education, the arts and recognising the important role of families. 

Government, working alongside civil society, has invested in education programmes that emphasise human rights, anti-racism, and inclusivity. 

This spirit of inclusivity is to be found in the Government of National Unity that was formed following the general election in May.

The Government of National Unity brings together diverse parties, with different policies, perspectives and histories.

Yet, we are united by a commitment to build a better South Africa for all its people.

Whether we are African, white, Indian or coloured, we are all South African. 

We are determined that we leave no-one behind. 

This rich diversity is our nation’s greatest strength. It is what makes us who we are. 

We are all bound together by the spirit of Ubuntu. 

The word Ubuntu has its roots in the IsiZulu phrase “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”.

A person is a person through other people. 

I am because we are. 

Guided by this idea, reconciliation involves both the healing of historical wounds and the bridging of social, economic and racial divides.

Our goal is to foster unity and social cohesion amongst the country’s diverse communities, and encourage mutual respect and understanding. 

Reconciliation means we have to end inequality.

Reconciliation means we can no longer live in a country where some people live in privilege and comfort while others are deprived and face great hardship.

Despite the achievements of the past 30 years, South Africa continues to face significant challenges on its journey towards reconciliation. 

Our country is still divided by poverty and unemployment.

We are therefore taking action as the Government of National Unity to build an inclusive economy and create jobs.

We are investing in social and economic infrastructure. 

We are making our economy more competitive through reforms in electricity, telecommunications, water, road, rail and ports.

We are expanding programmes that have successfully created work and training opportunities for young people.

As part of the work to reduce poverty, we continue to support poor households through free basic services, fee-free schools, subsidised housing opportunities and financial aid to tertiary students from poor and working class families.

As a government, we are strengthening the institutions that must fight corruption and crime.

Corruption undermines the trust between the people and the public representatives that have been elected to serve them. 

Crime, gender-based violence and instability cause great misery and hardship. They strains the social fabric.

They worsen tensions in an already divided society.

Over the last few years, we have seen progress in the fight against corruption and serious crime.

We have seen perpetrators being arrested, prosecuted and convicted.

We are calling on all South Africans, we are calling on all communities, to work with the authorities to end crime and corruption in our society.

Reconciliation is not a symbolic act. 

It requires a fundamental transformation of society to create a fair and just nation.

The programme of the Government of National Unity has therefore prioritised inclusive growth, job creation and transformation.

It has prioritised the fight against poverty and building a capable, developmental state that meets the needs of all South Africans.

Through this work, we will together transform our society.

And so, on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to forge a new future for our country.

We reaffirm our commitment to work together through a National Dialogue to define the path that our nation will take. 

Through our various actions we are reigniting our collective vision and shared passion to create a South Africa that works for all its people. 

We are confronting our challenges with the courage and determination displayed during the darkest days of the struggle against apartheid. 

South Africa has a rich history of inclusive solutions to problems.

I hereby announce that we will hold a National Dialogue next year to enable a conversation among citizens on shaping our country’s future developmental path.

The National Dialogue will seek to build on the achievements of 30 years of democracy.

The National Dialogue will give us an opportunity to address the challenges we have been facing for the past 15 years of low growth and unemployment, poverty and hunger, poor governance, slow land reform and corruption. 

We will also want the National Dialogue to address pressing challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide, social fragmentation, racism, homophobia and sexism, violence and instability.

The National Dialogue will strengthen and consolidate the process of social compacting, where we come together as different sectors and communities to find common solutions.

It is envisaged that the National Dialogue will be informed by an extensive public consultation process in local areas organised by various sectors of society.

Since the announcement I made on the National Dialogue during my inauguration in June, we have received many representations from civil society, including foundations established by stalwarts of our struggle for freedom.

Further consultation is underway with other formations within society on the form and content of the National Dialogue.

In due course, I will appoint an Advisory Panel of Eminent Persons to provide guidance and advice through the National Dialogue Process.

The Advisory Panel will include men and women of stature who have played prominent roles in nation building and advancing social cohesion.

I will also appoint a National Dialogue Steering Committee to coordinate the National Dialogue process.

This Steering Committee will include representation from the Foundations that have played a leading role in championing the idea of the National Dialogue process, government, labour, business and the community constituency.

All the necessary structures and processes of the National Dialogue will be in place early in the new year so that the preparations can commence in earnest. 

We expect that the National Dialogue will reach agreement on the critical challenges facing the nation.

It is expected to develop a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and of a common value system, that will guide current and future generations.

With a renewed commitment to social justice, economic empowerment, and cultural understanding, our country can continue to build on its achievements.

We can fulfil our destiny to be a truly reconciled, equal, caring and united nation. 

Next year, South Africa will become the first African country to lead the influential group of the world’s largest economies, the G20. 

We have outlined an ambitious agenda for our G20 Presidency under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’.

I call on all South Africans to be part of making South Africa's Presidency a success. 

The road ahead will not be easy. 

And yet even as we may sometimes think our challenges are insurmountable, let us reflect on how far we have come. 

We must reflect on our achievements and remember that, as South Africans, we are stronger when we are united. 

As we celebrate this day with loved ones, let us make a concerted effort to also reconcile as families and friends. Healthy families produce a healthy society. 

As one of the famous amapiano artists Kabza de Small sings in his hit Imithandazo, a song with an appealing prayer in both isiZulu and Xitsonga languages: 

“Hold on my friend, I’ll come back my friend. 

“Don’t cry my friend. It will all be well my friend. 

“Hear the prayers of your children. Pour down your spirit of success.” 

I wish you all a blessed, safe Reconciliation Day. 

May God bless South Africa and protect her people.

I thank you.
 

The Presidency has noted with concern the recent appointments of McKinsey as a supporting partner to the B20, the business engagement group that meets on the sidelines of the G20 and coordinates the participation of business in the G20, and Bain to the Project Management Office of the Energy Council of South Africa.

Whilst the Presidency or government has no control over the B20 processes, it does not endorse the appointment of McKinsey in this regard. Similarly, the Presidency does not condone the inclusion of Bain in supporting the activities of NECOM. The appointments do not contribute to the engendering of public trust and promotion of good governance, given the well documented role of the two firms in state capture and corruption. 

The Presidency calls on business to reconsider its position and to appoint more suitable partners for these important endeavours.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 16 December 2024, deliver the keynote address marking the National Day of Reconciliation to be held at Vredendal, Matzikama Local Municipality in Western Cape Province. 

The theme for the 2024 National Day of Reconciliation is Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures. 

The National Day of Reconciliation is a public holiday in South Africa held annually on 16 December. The holiday came into effect in 1995 after the end of apartheid, intending to foster reconciliation and national unity for the country. 

Recognising the need for racial harmony, the government chose the date for its significance to both Afrikaner and indigenous South African cultures. 

The commemoration of the National Day of Reconciliation takes the form of remembering history, recognising veterans' contributions, marching, healing wounds of past injustices, and other festivities. 

It will focus on the South African government and its people in advancing reconciliation, nation-building, social cohesion, healing, and forgiveness since the dawn of democracy and the nation’s quest to forge a new path for South Africa. 

Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Monday,16 December 2024
Time: 11h00am
Venue: Vredendal North Sports Ground,Matzikama Local Municipality, Vredendal

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the Commission for the Promotion of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) for a period of five years.
 
The Commission is a body established in terms of the South African Constitution of 1996.
 
Section 31 of the constitutional Bill of Rights directs that: “Persons belonging to a cultural, religious or linguistic community may not be denied the right, with other members of that community to enjoy their culture, practice their religion and use their language; and to form, join and maintain cultural, religious and linguistic associations and other organs of civil society.”
 
The Commission undertakes its protection and promotion of these rights through proactive and reactive approaches.
 
As the department responsible for the administration of the CRL Rights Act, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs issued a public notice for nominations of persons for appointment to the Commission for 2024 to 2029.
 
Nominees were shortlisted and invited to interviews before a selection panel chaired by Prof Itumeleng Mosala submitted recommendations to the President.
 
Following this process, President Ramaphosa has appointed the following persons to advance the work of the Commission:
 
- Ms Thoko Nonhle Jeanette Mkhwanazi-Xaluva

Ms Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, who previously served as​ a Commissioner, is also Head of Public Education and Advocacy unit within the Commission. She is involved in promoting and protecting the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities and nation building as an activist.
 
- Mr George Henry Mahlangu

Mr Mahlangu is the Prince in the Amandebele wakwa Ndzundza Sokhulumi. He possesses extensive knowledge of culture and experience in ensuring safer initiation practices in communities with the ability to resolve complex community issues.
 
- Dr Tsholofelo Masetshaba Mosala 

Dr Mosala is a former Commissioner with an interest in youth matters, coupled with her experience as a researcher in culture and Anthropology, and as a budding poet.
 
- Mr James Petrus Mapanka

Mr Mapanka is an activist for the Khoi, Nama and San languages. He is a former teacher and local government official who has served on various boards in Northern Cape Tourism and been honoured for his work with a special award by the Northern Cape MEC of Education.
 
- Mrs Doris Tsakane Nkwe 

Mrs Nkwe is a linguist, culturist, education and researcher who holds a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics. She is an indigenous language activist who is a former teacher and lecturer.
 
- Dr Sylvia Mmamohapi Pheto 

Dr Pheto served as a Commissioner in the previous Commission and previously worked as a public servant at the North West provincial legislature. She also brings to the Commission her experience as Secretary of the Women’s Wing of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa.
 
- Professor Muneer Abduroaf 

Prof Abduroaf served as a Commissioner in the previous Commission. He is a law lecturer and Executive Council Member of the Muslim Judicial Council. He combines legal competence with a grounded understanding of the Muslim religion.
 
- Adv. Sipho Gideon “Rasta” Mantula 

Adv. Mantula was previously a researcher in the CRL Rights Commission. He is an active participant in South Africa’s tapestry of cultural and linguistic community dialogues including the Rastafari National Question.
 
- Ms Xolisa Donna Makoboka 

Ms Makoboka is a Social Justice Practitioner and former senior manager in the Department of Social Development responsible for nation building and social cohesion. Her experience includes a period as a manager in the Public Education and Advocacy Unit of the CRL Commission.
 
- Dr Rajendran Thangavelu Govender 

Dr Govender is a seasoned social anthropologist with extensive academic and professional experience in Zulu and Hindu cultures. He brings practical experience in fostering cultural preservation with various senior leadership roles within cultural, linguistic and religious organisations.
 
- Professor Mokgale Albert Makgopa 

Prof. Makgopa is a language practitioner with experience in promoting and protecting indigenous languages. He serves as an educator teaching Northern Sotho, Tshivenda and Xitsonga). He has experience in development​ of indigenous languages through​linguistic, literature and folklore at institutions of higher learning.
 
- Adv. Aubrey Kgositoi Sedupane 

Adv. Sedupane has extensive experience in human rights law and holds Master of Law degree in Human Rights Law. He has experience of working in various communities, and has investigated and mediated critical cases that involved violation of rights​of​ CRL communities.
 
President Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 12 of the CRL Rights Act appointed Ms Mkhwanazi-Xaluva and Mr Mahlangu as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, respectively.
 
The President expresses his deep appreciation to outgoing Commissioners for their service and wishes the new Commission well in promoting and defending the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has legally recognised Princess Masalanabo Modjadji as the Queen of the Balobedu Queenship.
 
The Balobedu Queenship was recognised by Government on 31 March 2016 in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003), and it is the only legally recognised Queenship in the country.
 
At the time, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji was a minor at 10 years old and could not legally ascend the throne.
 
As a result, since the time of the recognition of the Queenship, His Royal Highness, Prince Mpapatla Modjadji, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji’s maternal uncle, held the fort for her as  a Regent until she turned 18.
 
The Queen has now turned 18 and ascends the throne as Queen Modjadji VII of Balobedu nation.
 
In accordance with Section 12(8)(a) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019, as soon as the successor to the position of a queen/king ceases to be a minor, the rightful successor must be recognised by the President as the queen/king. A certificate of recognition must be issued after her/his name has been published in the Gazette.
 
President Ramaphosa has therefore legally recognised Her Majesty, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, in terms of Section 8(3)(a) and (b) read with Section 12(8)(a) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.
 
The recognition of Queen Modjadji VII introduces a new chapter and is a moment of great significance to the rich history of Balobedu Nation.
 
On behalf of Government, President Ramaphosa wishes Her Majesty a long and prosperous reign and looks forward to working with Her Majesty and the Royal Family in advancing socio-economic development of people living under the jurisdiction of Balobedu Queenship.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 13 December 2024, host President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Federal Republic of Germany, at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s official residence in Pretoria.

The visit will serve to highlight the 30th anniversary of democracy in South Africa and the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.  The leaders will have an opportunity to engage on a variety of issues of mutual interest, thereby enhancing the strategic relationship and fostering closer cooperation between the two countries.

South Africa has a very substantial and diverse relationship with Germany. Germany is one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners and is the third largest market for South African exports, the third largest source of overseas tourists, as well as a major investor and development partner.

In November 2018, President Steinmeier paid a State Visit to South Africa. 

He will arrive in South Africa on 12 December 2024 from the Federal Republic of Nigeria where he would have paid a three-day State Visit.

During his visit, President Steinmeier will be accompanied by a business delegation of ten German CEOs and will participate in a business roundtable during the afternoon of 13 December 2024. He will also lay a wreath at Freedom Park.  He will also visit Lesotho on 14 December 2024 before returning to South Africa for an onward flight to Germany.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Your Excellency Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Members of the Media,

Good morning.

Your Excellency President Lourenço, 

It has been a pleasure to receive you on your first State Visit to South Africa.

We have congratulated President Lourenço on his re-election.

This has been a year of major elections across the continent, including in Angola and South Africa.

We have a shared sense of optimism regarding the state of multiparty democracy in Africa, which has proven to be robust and in good health.

We have commended SADC for supporting these democratic processes through election observer missions, as well as for providing valuable recommendations on electoral processes going forward.

South Africa and Angola have fraternal ties dating back to our respective liberation struggles. 

The people of Angola and the MPLA that President Lourenço leads, were and remain great friends of the South African people. 

As we mark 30 years of democracy in South Africa this year, I thanked President Lourenço for Angola’s solidarity and friendship on behalf of all the peoples of South Africa. 

This intertwined, shared history has formed the basis for cooperation through the Bi-National Commission between Angola and South Africa. 

The first BNC meeting will take place in Angola in 2025 and will be co-chaired by President Lourenço and myself. 

Angola and South Africa are amongst the largest regional economies, and we have agreed that we need to deepen bilateral trade and investment.

There are already approximately 20 South African businesses with a footprint in Angola. 

South African FDI into Angola has been into a range of sectors including financial services, IT, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and business services, amongst others.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Industrial Development Corporation and other South African development finance institutions have also extended their financial coverage to Angola. 

Amongst the infrastructure projects being financed are pipeline construction, renewable energy, water and sanitation and port development.

The Lobito Trans Africa Corridor project has also attracted interest from some of our companies. 

President Lourenço ‘s vision for the Corridor as an economic development zone has been positively received - and we are keen to explore opportunities for collaboration in this regard.

As South Africa we are keen to see more Angolan investors enter the South African economy. 

The Business Forum that will be taking place later today is a chance to connect Angolan and South African businesses and we look forward to participating.

For our part as governments, we will be expanding on the structural economic reforms underway in both countries to improve the investment climate and business operating environment.

With respect to bilateral cooperation, we have agreed on an audit of existing agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.

Since formal diplomatic relations were established between Angola and South Africa, we have signed more than 44 agreements. They are at varying stages of implementation. 

This stock-take is necessary, in the interests of strengthening the strategic partnership going forward.

With respect to collaboration on peace and security in the region and across Africa, we have commended President Lourenço for his efforts in mediating between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, as President of the International Conference on the Great Lakes, and as Facilitator of the Luanda Process. 

As South Africa and Angola, we are deeply troubled by the deteriorating situation in Sudan and the ensuing humanitarian crisis. 

President Lourenço serves on the AU Presidential Ad-Hoc Committee for the Republic of Sudan. South Africa pledges its full support for all efforts to bring about an end to the conflict in Sudan.

We are equally concerned at the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique, and have agreed to 
work together to enable our region to better respond to peace and security challenges in Africa.

Silencing the Guns is a necessary precondition for Africa’s stability, economic growth and development. 

I also briefed President Lourenço on South Africa’s Presidency of the G20. 

This will be the first gathering of this group of countries on the African continent. I indicated that promoting Africa’s developmental priorities as espoused in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 will be one of the defining elements of our Presidency. 

South Africa will ensure that key issues of strategic importance to Africa and the Global South are elevated during our term.  

In conclusion, South Africa looks forward to deepening its ties with Angola in the cause of mutually beneficial growth, continental economic integration and sustainable development.

I thank you and now invite President Lourenço to deliver his remarks.

Your Excellency Joao Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Your Excellency, it is my pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa. 

We thank you for honouring our invitation and making your first State visit to our country.

Allow me to begin by congratulating you on your re-election following the August elections in Angola. 

It is gratifying to us all to see multiparty democracy flourishing across our continent. 

There was polling in at least 17 countries in Africa this year, including in Angola and South Africa.

We all ascribe to the vision of an Africa of good governance, human rights, sustainable development and economic integration encapsulated in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. 

This State Visit is an opportunity to give impetus to that vision by strengthening trade, investment, political and people-to-people relations between our two countries. 

South Africa and Angola share a fraternal bond that dates back to the support the MPLA gave to our liberation struggle. 

When Angola achieved independence in 1975, we were still suffering under the tyranny of apartheid rule. 

Your Excellency,

The decision to elevate our structured bilateral mechanism from a Joint Commission of Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission (BNC) reflects our common commitment to deepen our relations.

I am delighted that you will be hosting the inaugural session of the BNC in Angola next year. 

Co-chairing this first session with you will be an honour, especially given that it will be during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angolan independence.

Increasing trade and investment between South Africa and Angola remains our foremost objective. 

South Africa must become the destination of choice for Angolan goods, products and services, and vice versa.

Approximately twenty South African companies already have a presence in Angola, and over the years have been on a concerted drive to explore investment opportunities beyond the oil sector.

South African FDI into Angola has been in a range of sectors such as financial services, IT, food and beverage, transportation, warehousing and tourism.

South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation also has investment projects in Angola, namely in the Cabinda Oil Refinery and the Cabinda phosphate project.

We want to see more Angolan companies in South Africa. Opportunities exist in infrastructure development, agriculture, construction, mining, financial services, telecoms and manufacturing, to name but a few.

With the international community having committed to low-carbon, climate resilient development, there is also vast potential for cooperation in cleaner and renewable energy generation, green hydrogen, electric and NEV manufacturing and others.

South Africa has prioritised implementing structural economic reforms to improve the business operating environment and investment climate, and through these we hope to attract more Angolan investors.

Both Angola and South Africa have substantial mineral deposits. 

We need to cooperate on strategies and policies that ensure there is greater beneficiation of our minerals. This will become especially important as the global demand grows for the critical minerals needed in the energy transition.

In this regard, South Africa is immensely encouraged by the development of Angola’s Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor. We stand ready to work with Angola and contribute within the project possibilities that exist.

We see the African Continental Trade Agreement as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, and we must take advantage of the system of preferential terms provided to signatories.

As both Angola and South Africa strive to accelerate the pace of industrialisation, we need to build mutually complementary capabilities in manufacturing and value-addition of products. 

The Business Forum that will take place during this State visit is an important opportunity for companies from both countries to explore synergies. 

It is our expectation that a list of bankable projects will be identified - that can be financed either though private sector capital or public-private partnerships. 

I look forward to participation in the Forum later today.

Your Excellency,

As Angola and South Africa, we have a shared commitment to advancing the ideals of Pan-Africanism and to promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts through mediation, negotiation and dialogue. 

We wish to thank you for the efforts that Angola has lent to peace-building in the Southern African Development Community and the continent at large. 

South Africa commends Angola for the constructive role it is playing as President of the International Conference on the Great Lakes, as Facilitator of the Luanda Process, and on the Presidential Ad-Hoc Committee for the Republic of Sudan.   

We must continue to deepen our collaboration towards resolving the conflict in the Eastern DRC, the civil war in Sudan and the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique.

Silencing the Guns across Africa is a necessary precondition for stability, economic growth and development. 

As African countries, we must be at the forefront of promoting the peaceful resolution of conflict, particularly at a time when the future of multilateralism is at stake.

Israel’s war on the people of Gaza and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine have exposed the limitations and fragilities of international institutions that remain un-representative and unreformed.

South Africa stands firm in its call for the institutions of global governance to be reformed, particularly the UN Security Council. 

The Global South must have permanent representation and a voice on the UNSC, so that it reflects global demographics and realities.

We stand firm in our call for multilateralism to remain at the center of global affairs, whether it is dealing with conflict or responding to climate change. 

We reiterate our call for the United Nations Charter to be respected and for the tenets of international law to be upheld. 

South Africa has just assumed the Presidency of the G20 and will host the first G20 Summit on African soil in 2025. 

Promoting Africa’s developmental priorities as espoused in Agenda 2063 will be one of the defining elements of our Presidency. 

Working with the African Union and fellow African countries will ensure that the issues of strategic importance to Africa and the Global South are highlighted.  

Your Excellency,

With these words I welcome you once again and look forward to our discussions. Your presence here testifies to the strong ties of solidarity and friendship between our two countries.

I thank you.

Programme Director,
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Dean Macpherson,
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms. Angie Motshekga,
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MEC’s,
Executive Mayor of the Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr. Thomas Ngwenya,
Traditional and community leaders,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Morning. Sanibonani. Avuxeni. Goeie môre. 

I greet the residents of KwaMhlanga and the Nkangala District Municipality.

It is a pleasure to be here in Mpumalanga again.

We are here as Government to report that we have delivered on our promise to address the problem of old and dilapidated bridges in Mpumalanga.

Communities have been struggling with this for some time. Poor transport infrastructure has been making it difficult to get to and from places of work, school, the hospital and clinic, and to towns and cities from rural areas.

In some cases, what would normally be a quick journey from one place to another takes double the time because there is no bridge.

This has been particularly difficult in areas near or separated by water sources like rivers or streams.

When the rains come or there are heavy floods, crossing becomes difficult and dangerous. 

As Government we have heard your call as the people of Mpumalanga for this issue to be addressed.

Earlier today we officially launched bridges at Vezubuhle, Leratong and Zakheni as part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme.

This is a ground-breaking method to construct bridges that are sturdy, that last, and that are safe for communities. 

This programme has been in existence since 2020 and is a designated Strategic Integrated Project under our national infrastructure build.

We have been working with speed to deploy the bridges where they are needed most, in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North-West, the Eastern Cape and the Free State.

We were all extremely impressed by the quality of the structures we visited earlier, as you have seen in the video that has just been played.

This type of bridge is known as a Bailey bridge. It is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge constructed with timber and steel alloys, suspended on reinforced concrete. 

The biggest advantage of a Bailey bridge is that it can be transported and assembled in a matter of days, compared to constructing a regular bridge.

During the devastating floods in parts of the country two years ago, we were able to deploy 14 of these bridges to support affected communities in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. 

These bridges are made to last. With regular maintenance, the average lifespan of a Bailey Bridge is twenty years.

Bailey bridges have been used by the military since the Second World War. Here in South Africa, they are being constructed by the South African Army Engineer Formation. 

I want to once more congratulate the South African National Defence Force for its contribution to uplifting communities.

Whether as part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, in assisting with water source rehabilitation, or deployed to guard critical energy infrastructure, the SANDF is driving development and progress across our land.

Welisizwe bridges are addressing the legacy of apartheid-era spatial planning, when investment in quality infrastructure was confined to certain areas. 

Our rural communities were most disadvantaged by this neglect, and this is something we as government are determined to resolve.

These bridges will improve mobility for all the people of the province. Our learners will be able to make it safely to and from school. It will be easier for our elders to reach hospitals and clinics, and to get to pension pay points. 

These bridges will make commuting safer, faster and easier for women and children, because they don’t have to make their way through areas that are unsafe, especially at night.

Pedestrian safety will be improved.

Beyond improving mobility and connectivity in rural areas, the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is creating decent work and business opportunities for our citizens.

Earlier we heard from local entrepreneurs on how the construction of a Welisizwe Bridge brought them business.

A key component of this programme is that components and construction materials must be sourced locally. 

We also heard from the beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme or EPWP. 

Each bridge site deploys Army engineers, artisans and EPWP workers who provide services like welding, groundwork, earth moving and soil retention.

The EPWP also supports skills development. Graduates are appointed to work in bridge assessment, project management, maintenance, as assistant engineers and as candidate construction project managers.

I am told that the construction of the bridges we launched today created work opportunities for 105 EPWP beneficiaries.

This is 105 unemployed South Africans given a chance to earn a living. With this income they were able to support themselves and their families. 

With the skills they learned, they are now able to secure further employment in construction or other sectors. 

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has set itself an ambitious target of constructing 288 bridges by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year. 

Seventeen of these bridges are planned for Mpumalanga.

An amount of R3,8 billion has been allocated for this purpose over the 2023/2024 and 2025/2026 financial years. 

In line with the localisation requirement, construction materials and bridge components will be sourced from local suppliers. 

We anticipate that approximately 17 000 job opportunities and 510 training opportunities will be created during this phase, including for EPWP participants and artisans.

This is the model to which we aspire. The construction of social infrastructure that meets community need, helps us achieve our national infrastructure build goals, and supports job creation. 

This year marks thirty years since we attained our democracy. 

We inherited a country where one’s quality of life was determined by the colour of one’s skin.  

What this meant was that white South Africans and predominantly white areas got decent and quality roads and bridges, hospitals, clinics and schools. 

Over the past thirty years we have made considerable progress in leveraging public infrastructure to narrow the gulf of inequality. This programme is part of that effort.

As the Seventh Administration we are committed to speeding up the pace of service delivery to ensure more South Africans have access to the amenities they need to lead lives of dignity.  

I want to make a call to our communities. 

Look after these assets. They are your assets. 

They are for the benefit of your community and for the benefit of future generations. 

Work with local and provincial authorities to ensure they are protected from vandalism. Use them safely and for the purpose they are intended. 

Desist from any acts that damage them or make them unsafe for use by others.

As local and provincial authorities, let us ensure that members of the community and local businesses benefit from the opportunities created by the construction of the bridges. 

As National Government let us continue to think innovatively and creatively when it comes to our respective service delivery models. 

This programme is best practice in how we can address backlogs and provide services within tighter timeframes and at a lesser cost.

Allow me to thank all who have been part of making today a success, and thank you for all the hard work and planning that has gone into this launch. 

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a sign of our commitment as government to bring development to all, and most importantly to ensure that no-one is left behind.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, 11 December 2024, receive the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG), His Excellency António Guterres at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s official residence in Pretoria.

The UN Secretary-General’s courtesy call on President Ramaphosa and a meeting today with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, takes place in the context of the UN leader’s mission to Southern Africa, which is centred on his attendance of the bicentennial celebrations in Lesotho on Thursday, 12 December 2024.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria